Magical Winter

“We made it, I could see the house and I was still ok, just. We got out the car and I just wanted to get the job done. I had to blow my nose, but I accidentally wiped my lippy off in the process. Lara and Kirsten were on hand though and quickly ran over with everything that I needed! OK, I took a large exhale and re-composed but…it finally hit me.

The nerves came flooding in and I felt like I was losing it! As Mum and I walked around the corner before heading up the aisle I spoke to myself and said just be calm, just go slow you’re fine…I thought if I looked at everyone else instead of Chris I wouldn’t get too emosh – wrong! It was the other way around!

I just focussed on him and made it to the end. Chris greeted me with his warm smile and told me I looked beautiful. Chris had said if he’d seen me crying he would have lost it too. I think the only way I managed to keep it together was because of how fast it all went, I never had a moment to reflect, it was all go!

So, we signed the paperwork and the registrar announced Mr and Mrs Dickinson and everyone cheered and I lent to one side and said, umm Mrs Pearson-Dennett! As we walked back up the aisle together I had a thought in my head and that was yay – party!! Roddy the Piper led us out to the bottom of the steps where we got a few fabulous group photos. All the guests were then invited into the house while Chris and I headed off with the guys from Elemental Weddings and Cherry Tree Films. They took us around the grounds to a few perfect locations for photos and film. I must say they are all so fun and had such good banter – we had a great time frolicking around the grounds with them!

We were heading back when I managed to trip in a massive puddle of mud! Kirsten from Heritage Portfolio managed to find a baby wipe for me which removed the worst of it. Christina from Elemental quickly spoke to Kirsten who said she’d get us a glass of bubbles and some canapés. Kirsten radioed Lara at the house and they were en route to our location moments later. I LOVE that the Hopetoun House and Heritage Portfolio team have ear pieces and walkie talkies – I wonder if they have code names too…I bet they do!

We were announced onto the dance floor and Chris was super excited while I actually said ‘oh no’, when I heard it over the speaker! Chris (who was quite merry by this point!) kept reassuring me and telling me just to enjoy myself – easy for you to say! First dance complete and no major injuries, yes! Straight into the ceilidh and strip the willow. Off we went and geez it was exhausting but great for all the Aussies to get involved too. My Mum planned on not doing it because she has a bad knee but after a few whiskies and a tiny bit of encouragement off she went!

Chariots began to arrive around midnight and Chris and I farewelled all our guests. Our driver eventually arrived and said I’m hear for the bride and groom and I exclaimed ‘Oh that’s us’! Chris, Lara and Kirsten all started laughing at me. Chris and I arrived at The Balmoral and checked into our beautiful room! We had been left a lovely wedding card and a bottle of bubbles!

Our guests have all said that it was such a fun-filled day with memories to last a life time – exactly what we wanted. We both had such an awesome experience from start to end. It was a massive whirlwind of fun, excitement and anticipation! We had the best time sharing this journey with all the people close to us along with all of you who kept up with our blogs.”